
President Donald Trump is questioning the motives behind the FBI’s closure of its Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), which took place in December 2024, just ahead of his return to the White House. Trump has demanded that the agency retain all records related to the closure, which he described as suspicious.
“We demand that the FBI preserve and retain all records, documents, and information on the now closing DEI Office—Never should have been opened and, if it was, should have closed long ago,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Why is it that they’re closing one day before the Inauguration of a new Administration? The reason is, CORRUPTION!”
While the FBI confirmed the closure, the agency did not offer any justification for the decision. The lack of explanation has fueled concerns that the closure is politically motivated, especially with the timing so close to the change in administration.
We demand that the FBI preserve and retain all records, documents, and information on the now closing DEI Office—Never should have been opened and, if it was, should have closed long ago. Why is it that they’re closing one day before the Inauguration of a new Administration? The…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) January 17, 2025
Trump has long spoken out against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, arguing that they divert attention from essential government priorities. His nominee for FBI director, Kash Patel, shares this view and has been critical of DEI initiatives within federal agencies.
🚨Trump orders the FBI to preserve ALL records related to the DEI office they’re shutting down. pic.twitter.com/1JdIMGU8oW
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 17, 2025
Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) has also expressed concerns about the FBI’s focus on DEI. In a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, Blackburn warned that such programs could undermine the agency’s ability to protect the American public and focus on national security.
🚨BREAKING: The FBI has officially SHUTTERED its DEI office according to Fox News.
President Trump and Kash Patel are already putting up wins before taking power.
🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/XXukMWnQXj
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) January 16, 2025
Across the country, DEI offices have been facing increasing resistance, with several institutions eliminating or scaling back these programs in response to rising criticism.